Do braces make your breath stink?

We all experience morning breath from time to time—so don’t be embarrassed! Usually, our morning brushing routines help to clear it up. However, some people may notice that their morning breath worsens while wearing braces.

At Whites Dental in London Waterloo, our orthodontic team is here to help. We offer a range of orthodontic solutions, including Ceramic Braces, Damon Braces, and Invisalign Teen.

Morning Breath and Dry Mouth

While bad breath during the day can result from a range of issues—such as diet, hygiene, or systemic health conditions—morning breath is most often linked to a dry mouth.

When we sleep, our saliva production naturally slows down. Saliva is essential for rinsing away food debris, neutralising acids, and controlling bacteria levels. Without it, bacteria multiply and produce sulfur gases that cause bad odours. That’s why brushing before bed is so important—it helps reduce the amount of food and sugar in the mouth, limiting bacteria growth while you sleep.

If you’ve noticed that your morning breath has worsened since getting braces, it could be a sign that your nighttime brushing and flossing routine needs some improvement. Our team is happy to offer support—just give us a call on 0208 616 0590 for tailored advice.

Why Braces May Worsen Morning Breath

Wearing braces is a long-term investment in your oral health and the appearance of your smile. But they can present hygiene challenges—especially when it comes to preventing food from becoming trapped between brackets and wires. Difficulty flossing, poor brushing access, and plaque build-up are common, and all can contribute to bad breath.

Tips to Keep Your Breath Fresh with Braces

• Stay hydrated: A dry mouth can worsen bad breath. Keep a water bottle with you and sip regularly throughout the day to encourage saliva flow and flush away debris.
• Eat a balanced diet: Avoid sugary, heavily processed foods that encourage bacterial growth. Stick to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins.
• Avoid sugary drinks: Fizzy drinks and sweet juices feed oral bacteria, leading to more odour-causing plaque.
• Brush more frequently: Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day—ideally after every meal. Make sure you’re cleaning around brackets and wires thoroughly.
• Don’t skip flossing: Flossing is trickier with braces, but it’s more important than ever. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss for easier access around wires and brackets.
• Use mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash for 30 seconds after brushing to kill bacteria and keep your breath smelling clean.
• Attend regular dental check-ups: Routine dental appointments help keep your teeth and gums healthy. We’ll also give your braces a professional clean and spot any hygiene issues early.

Brushing with Braces: Quick How-To

• Before brushing, rinse with water to loosen debris around your braces.
• Start by brushing at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, then brush above and below each bracket.
• Be thorough—aim to cover every tooth surface and make brushing a mindful habit.

Still Concerned About Bad Breath?

Don’t worry—it’s manageable! Our dental team at Whites Dental is here to help you maintain fresh breath and a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey. We provide personalised treatments and honest guidance on how to care for your teeth with braces.

For more information, visit our orthodontics homepage or call us directly. We offer fixed braces, Invisalign, Damon braces, and more at our London Waterloo clinic—just across from Southwark Tube and a short walk from London Bridge, Borough, and Elephant and Castle.